I support the Biden Administration’s decision to withdraw the remaining U.S. troops in Afghanistan by September 11th. As we approach the 20th year of the war—the longest in U.S. history—we should acknowledge what we achieved and be realistic about the challenges that remain:
Development outcomes in Afghanistan, including access to education for women, increased life expectancy, and access to electricity, have significantly improved. Additionally, Osama bin Laden is dead, and Al-Qaeda degraded.
As we maintain humanitarian and diplomatic support for a partner nation, we should continue to work with the UN and regional partners towards a peace deal for the security and prosperity of the Afghan people—and to ensure Afghanistan does not again become a haven for terrorists.
The challenges ahead won’t be solved with a continuing military presence but through the hard work of the Afghanistan government, Afghan people, and international community—lasting change can only come from the Afghans themselves, not U.S. forces.
Now, I look forward to working with the Administration on revising the authorization for the use of military force that has underpinned this long war.
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